Method and system to remotely configure business office devices to user defined parameters

Abstract

A method and system for configuring and/or re-configuring an office device to satisfy each user's particular needs. Such a system allows a user to determine at user defined intervals, i.e., each use, monthly, or project based, what the user's needs are or will be and then access, via the Internet or intranet or some other means, a service center wherein the user can download or access via a code the desired, appropriate applications for the device.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for configuring a business office device having at least one hardware component operable at a plurality of physical parameters, the method comprising the steps of: 
       selecting configuration information relating to at least one of the plurality of physical parameters;  
       generating an access code corresponding to the selected configuration information;  
       entering said access code into said business office device; and  
       configuring the at least one hardware component of the business office device according to said configuration information.  
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of dperforming a diagnostic operation within said business office device, such that the physical parameters at which the at least one hardware component is operating are analyzed. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 2  further comprising the step of comparing the physical parameters to default parameters, such that deviations from said default parameters are determined. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 3  further comprising the step of transmitting a message that the physical parameters deviate from said default parameters. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said message is an electronic message, telephonic message, or facsimile message. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 2  further comprising the step of comparing said configuration information to a database of configuration information to determine if said configuration information is in an outdated condition. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said database of configuration information is stored at a remote location. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 6  further comprising the steps of replacing the outdated configuration information with updated configuration information. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading said updated configuration information to said business office device. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 9  further comprising the step of installing said updated configuration information in said business office device. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said at least one hardware component is configured in accordance with said updated configuration information. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said business office device is a printer, a scanner or a copier. 
     
     
       13. A method for remotely configuring an office device having at least one hardware component operable at a plurality of operating parameters, the method comprising the steps of: 
       selecting configuration information defining at least one of the plurality of operating parameters of the at least one hardware component;  
       contacting a remote service provider to obtain an access code for the selected configuration information; and  
       receiving and entering an access code corresponding to said configuration information, said access code instructing said office device to configure the at least one hardware component of said device according to said configuration information.  
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13  further comprising the steeps of: 
       contacting said remote service provider to disable the selected operating parameters of the at least one hardware component; and  
       receiving a termination code, said termination code instructing said office device to disable the selected operating parameters.  
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14  further comprising the steps of: 
       billing a user for use of the device at the selected operating parameters; and  
       generating a cancellation code upon entry of said termination code, said cancellation code terminating said step of billing.  
     
     
       16. A method of selectively configuring an office device via communication with a remote service provider system to provide select levels of use of physical capabilities of at least one hardware component of said office device, and for generating billing rates according to said select levels of use at select time intervals, said method comprising the steps of: 
       communicating to said remote service provider system an identification of said office device;  
       providing a list of the levels of use of physical capabilities of the at least one hardware component available for said office device;  
       selecting at least one level of use of the at least one hardware component as desired;  
       generating an access code corresponding to the selected at least one level of use;  
       entering said access code to instruct configuration of the at least one hardware component;  
       configuring the at least one hardware component according to the selected at least one level of use; and  
       determining a billing rate according to the selected at least one level of use of the at least one hardware component and commencing billing.  
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of: 
       generating a termination code upon configuring said office device.  
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: 
       entering said termination code to return the at least one hardware component to a default value.  
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of: 
       generating a billing cancellation code upon returning the at least one hardware component to a default value.  
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of: 
       communicating to said remote service provider system said billing cancellation code to stop billing.